We want to hear from you. What is your advice for installing radiant heat beneath hardwood floors? Have you worked with it before? Do you think it is growing in popularity? Any pros and cons you think need to be highlighted? Leave your opinions or recommendations in the comment section below.
Radiant heat flooring is quickly becoming a new favorite among homeowners. It is quiet, great for families with allergies, highly efficient, and will lower winter energy costs.
How Radiant Heat Works
Warmth is supplied by hot water tubes or electric wires installed beneath the floor that send gentle heat waves up into the room. These heat waves warm up anything they reach (including your feet!), so although the air temperature in a room may remain relatively the same, you feel warmer because the surrounding surfaces are warmer.
Photo courtesy of www.radiantheatproducts.com.
What is the Best Flooring Option for Radiant Heat?
If you are building a new home or remodeling your current one, this is a great time to install radiant heat beneath your new hardwood floors. The best flooring option for radiant heat is engineered hardwood. It is not as thick as solid hardwood, leaving plenty of room for the thin heating cables or tubes to lie easily beneath the floors. Engineered hardwood can also be “floated” which means the boards are glued at the seams and not nailed or glued down to the subfloor. This tremendously reduces any gaps between boards if the changing temperature causes the wood to move slightly. Experts agree- engineered hardwood is a wonderful choice if you are considering installing radiant heat in your home.
Which Impressions Products Work with Radiant Heat?
Impressions Hardwood Collection has seventeen different engineered flooring options that would be perfect for radiant heat installation in your home. Our engineered products range in style from rustic to elegant, classic width to wide width planks, natural colors to dark stains.
By pairing one of these great series with radiant heat installation in your home, you’ll find the comfort and beauty you are looking for!
*Except Blue Ridge Brazilian Cherry and Blue Ridge Maple Natural.
Please note that extreme amounts of heat can negatively affect all flooring, even engineered hardwood. Please be sure to consult with a professional before installing radiant heat in your home.
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